Deodorant composition

ABSTRACT

A deodorant composition comprising 0.03 to 5% by weight of a water-soluble metal salt, 0.01 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surface active agent, 0.1 to 10% by weight of silicone oil, and the balance of water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a deodorant composition which hasexcellent deodorizing effects on the odors of armpits, foot and the bodyof humans, the odors of animals, etc. to give comfort after use.

BACKGROUND ART

Many of conventionally proposed deodorants are effective on limitedsites of application or limited substances as described, e.g., inJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 191731/91 and 138140/95.There has been an increasing demand for a deodorant effective on avariety of substances giving off odors, e.g., on the odors of armpits,foot or hair of humans or the odors of animals, etc. In particular,where animals such as dogs, which have a strong smell, are kept as adomestic pet, removal of their odor is inevitable. Since shampooing ananimal is too troublesome to do so frequently, a deodorant capable ofeasily deodorizing instead of shampooing has been awaited.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide adeodorant composition having excellent deodorizing effects on the odorsof the armpits, foot and body of humans, the odors of animals, etc.

The present inventors have found that the above object is accomplishedby an aqueous deodorant composition comprising specific amounts of awater-soluble metal salt, a nonionic surface active agent and siliconeoil.

The present invention has achieved the above object by providing adeodorant composition comprising 0.03 to 5% by weight of a water-solublemetal salt, 0.01 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surface active agent, 0.1to 10% by weight of silicone oil, and the balance of water.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The metal salt which can be used in the deodorant composition of thepresent invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as component (a))is water-soluble, preferably having a solubility of 0.1 g/100 g-water ormore at 25° C. Metals which constitute the metal salt include thoseforming mono- to trivalent cations, preferably alkali metals, alkalineearth metals, the group IIIA metals and transition metals of the fourthperiod of Periodic Table. The alkali metals include sodium andpotassium. The alkaline earth metals include magnesium and calcium. Thegroup IIIA metals include aluminum. The transition metals of the fourthperiod of Periodic Table include iron, copper, and zinc.

The salts constituting the metal salts include those forming mono- totrivalent anions. Chlorides, hydroxides, carbonic acid compounds and thelike are particularly preferred.

Specific preferred examples of the metal salts are calcium chloride,aluminum chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium hydroxide, calciumhydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,and so forth. These metal salts may be used as a combination of two ormore thereof.

The amount of the metal salt to be compounded into the deodorantcomposition of the present invention is from 0.03 to 5% by weight,preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight, still preferably 0.3 to 1% by weight. Ifthe amount of the metal salt is less than 0.03% by weight, deodorizingeffects are not obtained. If it exceeds 5% by weight, crystals areprecipitated appreciably after drying, resulting in a powdered state.

The nonionic surface active agent (hereinafter sometimes referred to ascomponent (b)) includes those safe for human and animal bodies. Inparticular, fatty acid ester type nonionic surface active agents,polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surface active agents, alkylalkanolamidetype nonionic surface active agents and alkyl glucoside type nonionicsurface active agents are preferably used. The amount of the surfaceactive agent to be compounded into the deodorant composition of thepresent invention is from 0.01 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.03 to 3% byweight, still preferably 0.04 to 0.5% by weight. If the amount of thenonionic surface active agent is less than 0.01% by weight, the abilityto emulsify sebum, etc. is insufficient for component (a) to be bound toodor substances, resulting in reduction of the deodorizing effects. Ifit exceeds 5% by weight, the excess surface active agent causesstickiness after drying. These nonionic surface active agents can beused as a combination of two or more thereof.

The fatty acid ester type nonionic surface active agents include estersbetween polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids. The polyhydric alcoholsinclude alkylene glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and1,4-butylene glycol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan andsucrose. The fatty acids include those having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, suchas lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleicacid.

Examples of preferred fatty acid ester type nonionic surface activeagents are glycerol mono-oleate, sorbitan mono-oleate, coconut oil fattyacid sorbitan, sorbitan mono-oleate, and sorbitan trioleate.

The polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surface active agents are nonionicsurface active agents having a polyoxyalkylene chain in the moleculethereof. The oxyalkylene group constituting the polyoxyalkylene chainincludes an oxyethylene group, an oxypropylene group, and combinationsthereof, with an oxyethylene group being particularly preferred. Thepolyoxyalkylene type nonionic surface active agents include polyalkyleneglycols, such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol; ethers ofpolyalkylene glycols and fatty acid-polyhydric alcohol esters, such aspolyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitoltetra-oleate, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylenehydrogenated castor oil; ethers of polyalkylene glycols and aliphaticalcohols, such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers; and ethers ofpolyalkylene glycols and aromatic alcohols, such as polyoxyethylenealkylphenyl ethers.

Preferred examples of the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surface activeagents are polyoxyethylene sorbitan coconut oil fatty acid esters,polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitantetra-oleate, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, and polyethylene glycolmono-stearate.

The alkylalkanolamide type nonionic surface active agents includecompounds represented by general formula: RCON[(CH₂)_(n)—OH]₂, wherein Rrepresents an alkyl group which preferably has 8 to 18, particularly 8to 14, carbon atoms; and n represents the number of carbon atoms of thealkanol group, preferably 2 to 4.

Preferred examples of the alkylalkanolamide type nonionic surface activeagents include palm kernel oil fatty acid diethanolamide.

The alkyl glucoside type nonionic surface active agents include thoserepresented by R′(OR″)_(X)OG_(Y). In the formula, R′ represents astraight-chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkylphenyl group or amixture thereof, with an alkenyl group having one unsaturated bond beingpreferred. The carbon atom number of these groups is preferably 8 to 18,particularly 8 to 12. R″ represents an alkylene group, of which thecarbon atom number is preferably 2 to 4. G represents a residual groupderived from a reducing sugar. X is preferably a number averaging 0 to10, and Y is preferably a number averaging 1 to 10.

Preferred examples of the alkyl glucoside type nonionic surface activeagents include lauryl glucose, oleyl glucose, and coconut oil fatty acidglucose.

The silicone oil (hereinafter sometimes referred to as component (c))includes polysiloxanes. Specific examples of the polysiloxanes includedimethyl polysiloxane and methylhydrogen polysiloxane. Various modifiedsilicone oils, such as fluoro-modified silicone oil, amino-modifiedsilicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, alcohol-modified siliconeoil, and alkyl-modified silicone oil, are also employable, but it ispreferred to use unmodified silicone oil from the standpoint of safetyfor human bodies and animals. The above-described silicone oils can beused as a combination of two or more thereof.

In using a polysiloxane as silicone oil, it is preferred for thesilicone oil to have a degree of polymerization of 30 to 20000,particularly 80 to 3000, so as to have a low viscosity easy to handle inthe preparation of the deodorant composition or in use and to impart asmooth feel to the skin or hair.

The amount of the silicone oil to be compounded into the deodorantcomposition of the present invention is from 0.1 to 10% by weight,preferably 0.2 to 5% by weight, still preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight. Ifthe amount of the silicone oil is less than 0.1% by weight, the skin orhair is not given a smooth feel. If it is more than 10% by weight, thecomposition is sticky and takes time to dry.

The amounts of components (a), (b) and (c) to be compounded are asdescribed above. From the viewpoint of obtaining a low viscosity andmaintaining stability, it is preferred that the weight ratio ofcomponent (a) to component (b) be 0.06 to 50, particularly 1 to 10, andthat of component (a) to component (c) be 0.003 to 50, particularly 0.01to 0.1.

The deodorant composition according to the present invention is anaqueous composition comprising the above-described components (a) to (c)in the above-described compounding ratio and the balance of water.

If necessary, the deodorant composition of the present invention cancontain antiseptics such as a p-hydroxybenzoate, lower alcohols such asethanol, perfumes, buffering agents, and the like in addition to theabove-described components. These components are each preferably addedin an amount of 0.01 to 10% by weight, particularly 0.03 to 5% byweight, to manifest their effects adequately.

The deodorant composition of the present invention is used to remove theodors of the armpits, foot, hair and body of humans and the odors ofanimals, etc. It is known that animals such as dogs give off strongodors (odors of the body, mouth and earwax). The deodorant compositionof the present invention exhibits extremely high deodorizing effects onsuch animal odors. The deodorant composition of the present inventionshows extremely high deodorizing effects even on the strong odors ofdogs. Besides, the deodorizing effects are not temporary but of longduration.

The deodorant composition of the present invention is applied to a siteto be deodorized by scattering or spraying an adequate amount of thecomposition and distributing the applied composition evenly over thesite by hand or with a tool such as a brush, followed by spontaneousdrying or by brushing a site to be deodorized with a brush to which anadequate amount of the composition has been applied by scattering orspraying, followed by spontaneous drying, whereby the deodorizingeffects are exerted and, in addition, a smooth feel is imparted to thesite. When, in particular, the deodorant composition of the presentinvention is applied to the hair of humans or animals, the hair becomessmooth to brush or comb. Accordingly, the deodorant composition of thepresent invention is also suited as a deodorant shampoo needing no wipe.

It is preferred that the deodorant composition of the present inventionhas a viscosity of 1 to 50 mPa.s, particularly 1 to 5 mPa.s, at 20° C.to be atomized satisfactorily and to be easy to handle when applied witha trigger spray, etc. The viscosity is measured with a Brookfieldviscometer equipped with a BL adaptor at 60 rpm.

While not particularly limited, the pH of the deodorant composition ofthe present invention is preferably 4 to 7 for the safety for human andanimal bodies. Useful pH adjustors include phosphoric acid, lactic acid,and citric acid.

Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4

The components shown in Table 1 were compounded in the amounts shown inthe table to prepare an aqueous composition. The resulting compositionswere evaluated for deodorizing effect, feel of use (a smooth feel to thetouch and smoothness in combing), and drying properties in accordancewith the following methods. The results obtained are shown in Table 1.

Deodorizing Effect

One gram of the composition was dropped on 0.3 g of dead hair of a dog,mixed well, and dried spontaneously. An organoleptic test by 10 panelmembers was conducted. The standards of evaluation are as follows.

A The average of the scores given by 10 panel members exceeds 3.

B The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 2and not greater than 3.

C The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 1and not greater than 2.

D The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is 1 or smaller.

Each panel members was asked to score based on the following criteria.

4 Odorless

3 Slight odor

2 Easily perceptible odor

1 Strong odor

0 Very strong odor

Feel of Use

(1) Smooth Feel

A 1 cm by 4 cm piece of dog's skin was soaked in the composition, takenout, dried spontaneously and subjected to an organoleptic test by 10panel members. The standards of evaluation are as follows.

A The average of the scores given by 10 panel members exceeds 3.

B The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 2and not greater than 3.

C The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 1and not greater than 2.

D The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is 1 or smaller.

Each panel members was asked to score based on the following criteria.

4 The treatment gives a very good smooth feel.

3 The treatment gives a good smooth feel.

2 The treatment gives an obvious smooth feel.

1 The treatment gives a slight smooth feel.

0 The treatment results in no difference in smooth feel.

(2) Smoothness in Combing

Simultaneously with the above-described evaluation of the smooth feel,the 10 panel members combed the dog's skin with a comb (#12, availablefrom Champion Kengu K.K.) to organoleptically evaluate smoothness incombing according to the following standards.

A The average of the scores given by 10 panel members exceeds 3.

B The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 2and not greater than 3.

C The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is greater than 1and not greater than 2.

D The average of the scores given by 10 panel members is 1 or smaller.

Each panel members was asked to score based on the following criteria.

4 The treatment results in drastic improvement.

3 The treatment results in considerable improvement.

2 The treatment results in obvious improvement.

1 The treatment results in slight improvement.

0 The treatment results in no change.

Drying Properties

In the above-described evaluation of the smooth feel, the time requiredfor the specimen taken out of the composition to dry spontaneously wascompared according to the following criteria. The temperature andhumidity were 25° C. and 65%.

A The specimen dries in less than 3 hours.

B The specimen dries in 3 hours or more and less than 4 hours.

C The specimen dries in 4 hours or more and less than 5 hours.

D The specimen remains undried for 5 hours or more.

TABLE 1 (unit: wt %) Example Comparative Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4Component Calcium chloride 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.01 0.5 0.5 0.3 (a) Calciumhydroxide 0.2 0.5 Magnesium carbonate 0.1 Component Alkyl glucoside^(*1)0.03 0.05 0.1 1 0.1 1.5 1 0 0.2 0.3 (b) Component Dimethyl polysiloxane0.5 0.7 1 0.2 7 0.03 12 (c) (n^(*2) = 2700) Methylhydrogen 1.5 2 2.5polysiloxane (n^(*2) = 2500) Ethanol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Methylp-hydroxybenzoate (antiseptic) 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3Water bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. bal. Total 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Deodorizing effect B A A B A B D C B BFeel of use Smooth feel B A A A A A B B C B Smoothness in B A A A A A BB C B combing Drying properties B B B B B B B B B C Note: ^(*1)Mydol 12(trade name), available from Kao Corp. ^(*2)Degree of polymerization

As is apparent from the results shown in Table 1, it is seen that thecompositions of Examples (the products of the present invention) producehigher deodorizing effects than the compositions of Comparative Examplesand also give a smooth feel and make the hair smooth in combing afteruse.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides a deodorant composition which hasexcellent deodorizing effects on the odors of armpits, foot and the bodyof humans, the odors of animals, etc. to give comfort after use.

The deodorant composition of the present invention exhibits extremelyhigh deodorizing effects on the strong odors of animals.

The deodorant composition of the present invention is particularlyuseful as a deodorant shampoo composition which can be used fordeodorizing human hair or animal hair and needs no wipe.

What is claimed is:
 1. A deodorant composition comprising 0.03 to 5% byweight of a water-soluble metal salt, 0.01 to 5% by weight of a nonionicsurface active agent, 0.1 to 10% by weight of silicone oil, and thebalance of water, wherein said metal salt is a chloride, a hydroxide ora carbonic acid compound of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ironcopper or zinc.
 2. The deodorant composition according to claim 1,wherein said nonionic surface active agent is a fatty acid esternonionic surface active agent, a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surface activeagent, an alkylalkanolamide nonionic surface active agent or an alkylglucoside nonionic surface active agent.
 3. A deodorant composition asset forth in claim 1, wherein said metal salt is a chloride, hydroxideor carbonic acid compound of calcium or magnesium.
 4. A deodorantcomposition as set forth in claim 1, wherein said metal salt is calciumchloride or calcium hydroxide.
 5. A deodorant composition as set forthin claim 1, wherein said metal salt is magnesium carbonate.
 6. Adeodorant composition as set forth in claim 1 wherein said metal salt ismagnesium chloride.
 7. A method of removing the odor of armpits, foot,hair or body of a human or the odor of an animal comprising applying thedeodorant composition set forth in claim 1 to a site to be deodorized,distributing the applied composition evenly over the site, and dryingthe composition spontaneously.
 8. A method of removing the odor ofarmpits, foot, hair or body of a human or the odor of an animalcomprising applying the deodorant composition set forth in claim 1 to abrush, brushing a site to be deodorized with the brush, and drying thecomposition spontaneously.
 9. A method of removing the odor of animals,comprising applying the deodorant composition set forth in claim 1 to abrush, brushing a site to be deodorized with the brush, and drying theapplied composition.
 10. A method of removing the odor of animals,comprising applying the deodorant composition set forth in claim 1 to asite to be deodorized, distributing the applied composition evenly overthe site, and drying the composition.
 11. A method of removing the odorof animals, comprising applying the composition of claim 1 to the hairof an animal and combing or brushing the composition through theanimal's hair.
 12. A method of removing the odor of animals, comprisingapplying the composition of claim 1 to the hair of an animal and combingor brushing the composition through the animal's hair.